Hot Topics:

Not just a stroll in the park for mom

In 2011, Sara Day opened Stroller Strides, allowing mothers to exercise with young kids.

By LAUREN BOYER

Daily Record/Sunday News

Updated:
05/12/2013 08:12:14 AM EDT

From the left, Annie Childs, Becca Harne, Meredith Pitts, and Sara Day use an elastic band to perform exercises during a Stroller Strides class at the Springettsbury Township Park. (YORK DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS - PAUL KUEHNEL)

York, PA -

Eight stroller-wielding moms power walk the perimeter of the York Galleria, whizzing past the early morning mall walkers and circling-up near the entrance to The Bon-Ton.

Just then, one of their babies begins to scream.

Another launches its toy across the circle.

When one cries, they all cry.

"It's kind of like a chorus," said Becca Harne, 26, of York.

She and the other moms of York County Stroller Strides don't lose their composure. They do their squat jumps and forge onward with their instructor, Sara Day, leading the pack. There's a method to this madness.

"You don't have to put your child in day care to work out," said Day, who started the group in 2011. "They can come with you."

Sara Day, instructor and franchise owner of Stroller Strides of York, leads the group up a hill while performing lunges with their strollers at Springettsbury Township Park. (YORK DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS - PAUL KUEHNEL)

The 31-year-old York Township woman takes her 2-year-old son, Luke, to every class she teaches. She's pregnant, expecting her second child in July.

He or she, too, likely will join the Stroller Strides family - a sweating support group on wheels for new moms experiencing the same mental and physical trials that come with motherhood.

"You may not have slept the night before, and you have spit up all over you," Day said. "We get it."

Stroller Strides is a national franchise. It was founded in 2001 by Lisa Druxman, a California woman who wanted to combine her passion for fitness with motherhood after the birth of her son.

Day's story reflects that model. A lifelong athlete, she opened her location, based at the York Galleria, in 2011 after Luke was born. She wanted to remain at home while contributing to the family financially.

Her hour-long routines involve brisk stroller walking - and sometimes running - with stops along the way for strength exercises, ab work and baby calming, if needed.

During the spring and summer, Day holds classes at nearby Springettsbury Township Park. There, moms use aspects of the environment for training.

They lunge up hills.

They do steps on the basketball court's tiered seating.

"She meets us where we're at," said Annie Childs, 31 of York Township. "We don't need to be any certain fitness level."

Childs joined Stroller Strides in November 2011 and even came to class on her son's due date.

"It allows you the flexibility to do what you feel comfortable doing in terms of exercise," she said. "I just needed the sanity to talk to other women and not be thinking about, 'When is this baby coming?'"

When women in the group have babies, everyone pitches in, holding showers and making meals. Day also organizes "Moms' Night Out" and does partner classes on holidays to include husbands.

Most moms, Day said, attend two classes a week for a cost of $30 per month.

Every class ends the same way. And all the kids know it.

"We're getting ready to stretch," said Luke, waving his hands around. An Elmo backpack sits on his lap.

Day likes to joke that her energetic toddler could probably teach the class himself.

"Finger out of your nose, please," she reminds him mid-stretch.

Stroller Strides also is a forum to dish about mommy-friendly topics such as breastfeeding, teething, poop colors and that Beco Gemini baby carrier you've been eyeing.

It's about fitness, yes - but also friendship.

"When you surround yourself with people you enjoy," Childs said, "the exercise becomes secondary."

Moms can attend the group as long as they have a child who is willing to sit in a stroller. That time only lasts so long.

"I love the fact that I can go and spend time with other moms and talk to them about anything," she added. "We say that we need to keep having kids so we can continue working out together."

About the class

Sara Day holds Stroller Strides classes year-round at Springettsbury Township Park and the York Galleria. Classes are 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Night classes are at York Township Elementary School through the York County Cooperative Community Education Program. They run 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

A mom's first class is free. A single class costs $10.

Morning Stroller Strides classes are by membership, which is $50 a month for unlimited classes or $30 a month for two classes per week.
Pricing for evening classes is dictated by the York County Cooperative Community Education.

Day also teaches Fit4Baby, a class for expecting moms, through the program. Those classes are 6 p.m. Wednesdays.

For details, visit strollerstrides.net/york or contact Day at 302-593-6588.

What to bring

--Comfortable walking shoes

-- Stroller (no umbrella strollers)

-- Water

-- Towel or mat for ab workouts

-- Baby/toddler essentials (snacks, toys, etc.)

-- Sunscreen for outdoor classes

Sara Day, instructor and franchise owner of Stroller Strides of York, leads the group up a hill while performing lunges with their strollers at Springettsbury Township Park. (YORK DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS - PAUL KUEHNEL)

ODESSA, Texas (AP) — A West Texas man has been charged with impersonating an officer by using sirens and flashing lights to skip to the head of the drive-thru line at a fast-food restaurant. Full Story